Charlotte messenger. [volume] (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.) 1882-18??, 1887-04-09


place for woman--I-I think l would
rather not stay"
How Rowland Wayne abused himself
when he thought of his careless words,
and then marked how her lips quivered,
how her eyelids dropped to keep back the
unshed tearsl
II think spoke too hastily, Miss
Archer" he said. IA lady's place is
where she makes it. We are not lot of
savages, +" he added, with warm smile.
"lf you remain here think can insure
you courteous and considerate treatment
on the part of every one in this Office. If
such is not accorded you, you have only
to inform me, and l will know the reason
why"
"You are very kind said Miss Arch
er, with a bright, feeting smile. ''I
should like to stay. I really cannot af-
ford to resign my position"
"Then stay, by all means" said Ro-
land.
Aud, to the edifcation of his clerks, he
got up and opened the door for her when
she went out.
After that he often caught himself
listening to the soft yet distinct voice in
another room holding conversations over
the phone.
When he was at home with one of his
attacks Of neuralgia and had to commune
cate with the Office by wire he often re-
marked how well he could hear Miss
Archer's voice, when all the others
ebbed away into Babel of sound.
''Burns did fine thing when he got
that girl in the Office, he unused one day,
when he was kept prisoner very inop-
portunely. "I don't know what we'd do
without her-now especially. It's bad
enouhg as it is. couldn't have had this
attack at worse time But l guess every
thing is all right. Danbury's good for any
amount this side of million. By Jove,
though it would be rough on me if any
thing went wrong nowi 1t would clean
me out completely"
He was walking up and down the
room, trying to repress the nervous agita-
lion which attacked him.
'fSeven o'clock" he said, glancing at
the time. ''The Office is closed long ago.
In another hour Brisket will sign over
those. bonds, and then-Hellol what's
thatf'
The shrill alarm of the telephone sum-
moned him across the room.
"There is no one at the Office, he
thought, taking un the receiver. won
der what's up now2 Helloi Waynel
Who are you2"
at is Helen Archer, Mr.. Wayne, " said
a voice which he knew quite well.
"Why, what are you doing in the Office
at this time of night2" he exclaimed In
voluntarily.
81 am not at the ofice--that is, not
at your office. am at the Central Sta
ton. Can you hear meG"
eyes"
81 have something important to tell
you. Our wire got crossed with Mr..
Brisket's to-day, and could hcar every
word said overit. / could not understand
what they were talking about, only Mr..
Brisket was talking to man named
Danbury."
'Danburyl" exclaimed Wayne, in
great excitement.
"They were talking about bonds, and
said lot of things / couldn't compre-
hend; but at last your name was men
toned. This will put Wayne in hole
Mr.. Brisket said YES said Mr.. Dan
bury, it'll bury him alive. 1t is good
thing he's shelved tonight. There is no
danger, Isuppose, of his getting wind of
this before S o'clock2' No danger at
ALL There will be new deal all around,
and we'll boost the market over Waynes
head.' Do you hear what l say?" she
interrupted.
"Yes, yesl" Wayne said, excitedly.
''What else2"
Nothing more that 1 could under
stand, except that they were to meet at
the Continental Hotel tonight at s
o'clock came here because / was afraid
TO talk from the Office thought some
one might get on your wire, and have
you here direct. That's all. Good-by."
For Roland Wayne to dress and leave
the house was matter of very short
from Helen Archer. His illness and the
danger of exposure were quite forgotten.
He was present, very unexpectedly to
Mr.. Brisket and Mr.. Danbury, at the
evening conference at the hotel.
1t was stormy scene that ensued be-
tween Roland Wayne and these two men
who had combined against him. scene
from which the young broker issued pale
and exhausted, but still triumphant.
What had passed no one knew, but the
next day the street was electrified with
the news that Wayne was closing up his
business affairs TO go abroad.
..1hat will throw us all out said Burns,
gloomily, and Helen Archer heard the
news with sinking heart.
She was late that night in going home,
having some small errands to attend to
on her way; and, moreover, her steps
Jagged with the consciousness that she
had bad news to carry to her poor, ailing
mother
"You are late, Nelly" Mrs. Archer
said, as she came in. "This gentleman
has been waiting to see you for some
time"
It was Roland Wayne, who rose and
held out his hand warmly.
Miss Archer" he said, 81 have como
to thank you for the service you did me
last night. Thanks to you, have saved
my fortune from ruin most absolute. II
- ha1 w1f hoou To- x-n,~ o~I